Ciska Debacker
Anthropologist & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant
Turning social complexity into meaningful organisational change.
I help organisations, governments and teams navigate complex questions around diversity, equity, inclusion, participation and social change.
Combining anthropological research, strategic consulting and a human-centred approach, I translate complex social dynamics into clear insights, practical strategies and sustainable action.
Creating change that goes beyond the surface
Diversity and inclusion are not simply about policies, statements or training sessions. They are about understanding how people, systems, cultures and power dynamics interact and using that understanding to create meaningful change.
I help organisations understand the cultures, systems and dynamics shaping their organisation, identify blind spots and develop practical approaches to embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into leadership, communication, policy and everyday practice.
My role is to listen, analyse and challenge assumptions and turn complexity into clarity and action.
From insight to strategy. From strategy to lasting change.
I work with organisations that want to move beyond quick fixes and develop approaches that are thoughtful, evidence-based and sustainable.
Ready to look beyond the surface?
Let’s explore what meaningful change could look like for your organisation.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consulting
From research and strategic advice to workshops and organisational change, I tailor my approach to your context, challenges and ambitions.
No two organisations are the same. That’s why I don’t offer fixed packages or off-the-shelf solutions. Every collaboration starts with a conversation to understand your organisation, your challenges and what you want to achieve.
From there, I develop an approach that fits your specific needs – whether that means research, strategic advice, workshops, organisational change, or a combination of these.
How can I support your organisation?
DEI Consultancy – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Organisations
From insight to integration – from culture to communication.
I help organisations understand the social and cultural dynamics shaping their workplace, identify blind spots and develop practical strategies for embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into organisational culture, leadership, communication and policy.
The focus is not on quick fixes, but on creating meaningful change that is thoughtful, evidence-based and sustainable.
Workshops and Training on Diversity and Inclusion
For teams and individuals who want to think and act more inclusively
I design and facilitate tailored workshops that create space for reflection, dialogue and practical learning around diversity, equity and inclusion.
Rather than offering a fixed programme, I adapt each session to your organisation, participants and specific questions. Topics can include intersectionality, inclusive leadership, organisational culture, power dynamics, unconscious bias, the impact of microagressions and bystandertraining
My approach combines anthropological insight, reflection and practical tools, helping participants translate awareness into action.
DEI Leadership Coaching (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion)
From self-reflection to lasting impact.
I support managers and leaders who want to deepen their understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion and explore how these dynamics shape their leadership and teams.
Through individual coaching, we work on self-awareness, inclusive leadership, communication and decision-making – translating reflection into practical changes in leadership practice.
Citizen Participation & Social Change
From voices unheard to policies that work.
Good policy starts with listening. I design participatory processes that bring diverse perspectives into policy and decision-making, with particular attention to voices and experiences that are often overlooked.
Through qualitative research, dialogue and participatory methods, I help translate lived experiences into clear, relevant and workable recommendations.
Anthropological and Qualitative Research
Making sense of complexity – so you can act with confidence
Complex social questions require more than surface-level data. I use anthropological and qualitative research methods to understand the people, cultures, systems and dynamics behind an issue.
My work can include qualitative fieldwork, interviews, historical analysis, intersectional research and policy assessment.
I turn complex findings into clear, actionable insights that support better decisions and meaningful change.
Learning Network – DEI Trajectories
From individual insight to collective, lasting change.
For organisations and teams looking for a longer-term approach to learning and development, I offer DEI trajectories built around recurring sessions, peer learning and reflection.
Rather than a one-off intervention, these trajectories create space to deepen understanding, practise new approaches and learn from one another over time.
The aim is to make inclusion part of how your organisation thinks, works and leads – not simply another topic on the agenda.
Do you have a challenge you’d like to explore?
Testimonials
✨ Every collaboration tells a story. I collaborate with organisations across government, education, non-profit and the private sector. No two collaborations look the same. Because your challenges are unique, and so is our approach.
True partnerships
“We collaborated with Ciska for a mini-trajectory on sustainable and inclusive collaboration. Through the right balance between theory and practice, inspiring examples and compelling videos, Ciska was able to inspire participants to examine their worldview with an open mind. Thanks to her enthusiasm and warm personality, the trainer succeeded in creating a safe and open atmosphere in which participants engaged in respectful dialogue about a complex but very important topic.”
– S.W. Management Support, FOD
Inspiring
“The topics are presented in an engaging way, with clear insights and examples that closely connect to practice and our sector. There is a beautiful structure and a pleasant alternation between theory and workshops. The lecturer knows what she is talking about and conveys the subject matter and assignments in a calm, structured and inspiring way.”
– Participant Learning Network Diversity & Inclusion in Healthcare
Safe space
“Thank you for stopping by during your journey, Ciska! It was very valuable (and confronting) to pause in that safe space and reflect on our own biases and daily interactions. We will take the tools you shared with us along the way“.
– Policy Advisor at the Belgian Federal Public Service for Social Security
In-depth insights. Human-centred perspectives. Impactful analyses and changes.
Why work with me?
- Research-driven. My anthropological background allows me to look beyond the obvious and uncover the social, cultural and structural dynamics shaping your organisation.
- Human-centred. I work with people and communities; not simply on them. Listening, transparency and cultural humility are central to my approach.
- Strategic. I don’t stop at analysis. I translate insights into practical strategies, recommendations and actions.
- Intersectional. I consider how different forms of identity, power and inequality intersect and influence people’s experiences.
- Tailored. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every collaboration starts with your context, your questions and your ambitions.
- Read more about my ethical approach.
Who do I work with?
I collaborate with organisations that want to build more inclusive, ethical and socially responsible practices.
Governments & policymakers
Inclusive governance, citizen participation and policy development.
NGOs & non-profits
Research, strategic advice and approaches that strengthen social impact.
Businesses & organisations
Inclusive cultures, leadership and organisational change.
Research & academia
Qualitative, socio-cultural, historical and intersectional research.
What can you expect?
Working together means turning complex social questions into clear insights, informed decisions and meaningful action.
- Clarity. A deeper understanding of the people, systems and dynamics shaping your organisation.
- Strategic direction. Complex questions translated into clear, practical recommendations.
- Meaningful participation. Processes that create genuine space for diverse and often overlooked perspectives.
- Evidence-based decisions. Research and analysis that provide a strong foundation for informed action.
- Sustainable change. Approaches that address underlying dynamics and create change that lasts.
